derived from tsāḏaq (H6663), meaning straight or straightness. While the concept of righteousness frequently occurs in Scripture, this specific name is used sparingly.

We find it within the context of the covenant with King David and the Righteous One on David’s throne in Jer 23:1-6 and 33:15-17. In Jer 23:5-6 we read the still to be fulfilled prophecy: See, the days are coming, declares יהוה, when I shall raise for Dawiḏ a Branch of righteousness, and a Sovereign shall reign and act wisely, and shall do right-ruling and righteousness in the earth. In His days Yehuḏah shall be saved, and Yisra’ĕl dwell safely. And this is His Name whereby He shall be called: ‘יהוה our Righteousness.’  He shall be called YHVH Tsidkenu when He governs and rules as the eternal King as per the covenant with David. In that hour Judah will be saved and Israel will dwell in safety.  What an exciting prospect filled with unmerited kindness it is to look forward to.

But what does righteousness mean? A definition is found in Lev 19:15: Do no unrighteousness in right-ruling. Do not be partial to the poor or favour the face of the great, but rightly rule your neighbour in righteousness. And in verses 35-37: Do no unrighteousness in right-ruling, in measurement of length, in weight, or in measuring liquids. Have right scales, right weights, a right ĕphah, and a right hin. Guard all My laws and all My right-rulings, and do them. I am יהוה.

From this we glean that righteousness is the outcome of a process involving the identification, selection and application of the appropriate scale or yardstick – plumbline if you wish – in a correct, straight or just manner, consistently over time irrespective of person. This is how YHVH governs and why He is the Righteous One. Likewise, we must consider and evaluate all the possible scales and have the wisdom, insight and discernment mixed with the will and determination to choose the right scale and apply it in an appropriate and consistent manner. To this the parable of the man being pardoned much but unable to do the same for another, is a stark reminder. When we’re confronted with tests and decisions, like the heroes of our faith, we must select and apply the appropriate scale, the scale He prescribed for the situation – that is righteousness.

We see a practical illustration in the book of Amos. The prophet declares the nation as unrighteous because of their despicable actions – their decisions and judgement of and against people and situations were not according to YHVH’s prescribed scale, thus he concludes in 7:8: And יהוה said, “See, I am setting a plumbline in the midst of My people Yisra’ĕl, no longer do I pardon them.” 

Another application of YHVH’s plumbline awaits us. In Rev 19:11 we read: And I saw the heaven opened, and there was a white horse. And He who sat on him was called Trustworthy and True, and in righteousness He judges and fights. The One prophesied by Jeremiah will select and apply HIS right and appropriate ruler, scale or yardstick, in a trustworthy and true manner, and judge and fight accordingly, because He is YHVH Tsidkenu.